IWSG: On the Road
I'm traveling again, so I may not be able to visit you right away if you comment. But I will get there. And do drop around and visit the other participants!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group
day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and
the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer
a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in
the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new
people each time - and return comments. This group is all about
connecting--and we owe it all to the amazing Ninja Captain Alex!
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
Every month, the IWSG announces a question that
members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you
to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your
answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if
you are struggling with something to say.
The April 5 question - Do you remember writing your first book? What were your thoughts about a career path on writing? Where are you now and how is it working out for you? If you're at the start of the journey, what are your goals?
I wasn't going to participate on account of not being around good wi-fi to respond to comments. But I like this question, and want to address it, at least a little.
Do I remember writing my first book? Yes. Even if you mean the novella I wrote with my best friend in high school. I remember my first real novel, too. And the next one, which eventually was revised and became Death By Ice Cream. My next book was The Ninja Librarian, and it was the one that pushed me into self-publishing.
What were my thoughts about a career path in writing? Back there in high school and college and even a little bit after, I had visions of making a living as a writer. I'd be writing novels and short stories and non-fiction and even poetry and get famous. Later, I got more realistic, and settled on writing as a way to satisfy my creative needs, entertain a few people, and maybe turn a profit.
I guess that kind of answers the question about how it's working out. I'm never quite satisfied with my tiny readership, but nor am I willing to do whatever would be needed to sell more. I also realized recently that I'm not interested in the pressure a traditional publishing contract would put on me, despite still kind of wanting the validation that would provide. So somewhere between "hobby" and "small time" seems to be an okay place for my writing. I prioritize my writing--when I'm not traveling--so I do see it as more than a hobby. I'd be in trouble if I needed the money, though.
Writer update: Nearly done with that redrafting that was going to be done a couple of months ago. I am actively seeking beta readers.
Now--go visit our wonderful co-hosts and maybe some folks you don't know!
Sounds like you enjoy it the way you're doing it -- and that's important :-)
ReplyDeleteRonel visiting for IWSG day If The Author’s Life Were a Fairy Tale
Yes, it does seem to be working for me most of the time.
DeleteI'm not sure I want the pressures of being traditionally published either. Having it be a hobby might be okay for me.
ReplyDeleteIt took my mom’s clear insight for me to get that :)
DeleteI think it's good that you know where you want to be with your writing. That was a question I had been grappling with and just threw up my hands and made a decision. We'll see where it takes me.
ReplyDelete"Later, I got more realistic, and settled on writing as a way to satisfy my creative needs, entertain a few people..." - yes, those are my goals too. Creating stories is always fun. Pursuing publishing - not so much. It feels more like a job.
ReplyDeleteI think your work-life balance is practically perfect :)
ReplyDeleteJemima